Tyra Banks’ SMiZE Productions is diving into the world of beauty and innovation with a feature film centered on the real woman behind the iconic nail polish brand — Sally Hansen.
Though her name is recognized globally, the woman herself remains an enigma. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Hansen was a savvy businesswoman, journalist, and beauty entrepreneur who founded her namesake company, House of Hansen, in 1946. She quickly became known for her forward-thinking approach to beauty and for products like Hard as Nails, which helped establish the at-home manicure market. Ahead of her time, Hansen wrote newspaper columns on women’s empowerment and self-reliance, often encouraging women to take charge of their own image and careers — values that continue to define her brand’s legacy nearly 80 years later.
The upcoming film will follow a modern-day team’s quest to uncover the truth about Hansen’s life, chasing clues, rumors, and myths to reveal the woman who built one of the most enduring empires in beauty — decades before the term “influencer” ever existed.
Blending business intrigue with creativity, the project explores how Hansen’s work shaped a $50-billion nail industry that still reflects her legacy of color, confidence, and rebellion.
Sabrina Besla, recently promoted to Senior Vice President of SMiZE Productions, will oversee development and production across the company’s expanding U.S. and international slate. “We’re obsessed with stories that make everyday icons feel epic,” said Besla. “Sally Hansen is the spark behind how we all self-express through color, creativity, and a little bit of rebellion.”
Tyra Banks added, “Sabrina has been a creative force as we craft stories that reimagine creativity, confidence, and cultural impact on screen. ‘Different is better than better’ — that’s the energy driving SMiZE forward.”
SMiZE Productions continues to grow its global footprint across scripted, unscripted, live theatre, and branded storytelling projects in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, with more announcements expected through 2026.
Banks and SMiZE are represented by Echo Lake Entertainment, UTA, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, and IMG for modeling.